Lexus RX400h (2005–2009)

Very successful hybrid application. Performance of a V8 SUV with better than diesel SUV economy. Handles well too. Most ECO friendly big SUV.

Lost Congestion Tax exemption from February 2008 except for existing owners. Go through brake discs and pads very rapidly.

Updated 2 August 2018

Lexus extended warranties used to be capped at 10 years or 100,000 miles, but have now been extended a further year. A reader with an 11 year old RX400h with 107,000 miles was allowed to extend his....

Introduction

It's a quiet and very comfortable conveyance with the performance of a big V8 SUV, yet fuel economy that beats all full-size diesel SUVs.

I averaged 31.3mpg, which is nothing to be ashamed of in a car that kicks out 273PS, gets to 60 in 7.3 seconds and weighs 2,000kg.

It's not cheap at £36,393 for the base model to £45,258 for the fully loaded SE-L version I drove. And some of the trim isn't really grand enough for a forty-five grander, like the rattly ashtray cup holder and the honorary console between the seats. A BMW X5 has much better ambiance.

But it's superbly comfortable. It's very quiet and pleasant to drive. It handles better than most SUVs. And if you suddenly need to get a move on the combined power of the engine and two electric motors whack you up to warp speed remarkably quickly.

The anchors are very good, too. Despite nearly twice the weight of the Honda Hybrid, you don't get the same feeling of braking against the heavy flywheel effect of the electric motors.

Borrowing £7,500 over 4 years with a representative APR of 25.4%, an annual interest rate of 25.4% (Fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be £239.77 per month, with a total cost of credit of £4,008.96 and a total amount payable of £11,508.96.